Oracle’s low-code development platform, Oracle APEX, is now enhanced with artificial intelligence to streamline and accelerate the creation of enterprise applications. The platform introduces several AI-powered features, including the APEX AI Assistant, which helps developers generate valid SQL statements using natural language prompts, alleviating them from routine coding tasks. Another feature, the Create App Assistant, enables the creation of application blueprints, allowing developers to concentrate on app features rather than underlying code. Additionally, Oracle has added conversational AI dialogues that can be integrated into applications, providing end-users with a richer, more interactive experience.
These enhancements aim to make the development process more efficient by reducing the need for extensive coding knowledge and speeding up the time-to-market for new applications. According to Mike Hichwa, Oracle’s Senior Vice President for Software Development, the AI tools make it significantly easier for developers to manage complex SQL syntax and other coding challenges, allowing them to focus on more creative aspects of development.
Since its debut in 2019, Oracle APEX has been a no-cost feature of Oracle Database, designed to minimize the amount of code required for app creation. It has gained traction across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, transportation, and education, enabling developers to build and deploy apps much faster and with less code. Oracle claims that APEX has helped developers build over 21 million applications, supporting a wide range of functions from clinical trials to equipment leasing management.
The AI enhancements in Oracle APEX not only aim to improve developer productivity but also reduce technical debt, as Oracle manages the backend, including addressing vulnerabilities and bugs. This allows companies to stay agile and modernize their applications efficiently. The AI-assisted approach captures the intent of what developers want to achieve, leaving the implementation details to Oracle APEX, thereby enhancing the overall development experience.
